Disney Spreads Holiday Magic to Families in Need Across America
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is spreading holiday cheer across all 50 states, combining the magic of Disney with the power of giving. This year’s effort builds on the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and the company’s nearly 80-year association with the Marine Toys for Tots program to make the season brighter for thousands of families in a uniquely Disney way.
“We create happiness every day at Disney Consumer Products, and our purpose becomes even more meaningful during the holidays when we focus on the families who need it most,” said Paul Gitter, EVP, Global Brand Commercialization, Disney Consumer Products. “This year, we are honored to bring Disney holiday magic to communities across the country, giving parents the ability to choose gifts for their children and create lifelong memories.”
Stitch Delivers Toys to Local Families in Detroit
On Dec. 6, Stitch unleashed holiday magic in Detroit—one of America’s cities most affected by child poverty—by hosting an unforgettable event for more than 120 local families, in collaboration with Toys for Tots. The immersive holiday experience, at the historic Women’s City Club in The District Detroit, extended the wonder of Disney far beyond its parks, experiences and stores, delivering a day filled with big smiles and the spirit of giving.
Parents were invited to “shop” this year’s hottest toys, provided to families at no cost by Disney Store, Mattel, Jazwares, Hasbro, JAKKS Pacific, Just Play, Ravensburger, and more— along with festive Disney-themed pajamas from Old Navy and books from Disney Publishing and Random House Children’s Books. While parents selected gifts, the kids explored Disney-themed play zones, enjoyed holiday treats and met the beloved character Stitch, who is currently on the Disney Holiday Magic Tour to create happiness for ohanas near and far.
Disney collaborated with Toys for Tots to invite families in need, and Detroit-area Marines served as volunteers throughout the event.
Families enjoyed experiences including:
- Mattel interactive play areas, where kids stepped into a world of imagination with hands-on play featuring Disney’s Frozen and Pixar’s Cars, creating their own magical moments with new Mattel toys.
- Jazwares’ Disney Squishmallows zone, featuring claw machines filled with adorable Disney Squishmallows clips for children to win and take home, plus an oversized Stitch plush throne perfect for holiday-ready photo ops.
- A cozy lounge, complete with décor, furniture and holiday plate decorating provided by IKEA, as well as books, hot cocoa and treats.
Kids also enjoyed Star Wars and Marvel-themed play zones featuring toys inspired by their favorite characters, including buildable play sets, remote control droids and more.
“Each holiday season, Disney plays a pivotal role in bringing joy into the lives of American families, collecting and donating toys that serve as tangible signs of hope. This event is a wonderful evolution of our longstanding relationship, showcasing how together we’ve grown our impact year after year. By adding Disney’s creativity to our mission, we’re able to bring joy to countless children—making this season truly magical for those who need it most,” said Gunnar Spafford, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), Deputy Vice President, Business Development, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
The event was also supported by The District Detroit and Enhance A Colour. Disney Store Shopping Sprees Nationwide Beyond Detroit, Disney teamed up with the nonprofit organization Good360 to bring joy to families facing hardship in every state across the country. Through surprise home deliveries featuring Disney Store products and gift cards, families were empowered to select toys their children truly wanted, creating impactful moments with memories that will last a lifetime.
“This is something very beautiful. I’m usually the one giving, so for this to happen to me, this really means a lot,” said Migdalia Del Moral, a mother of four and recipient of a surprise shopping spree at Disney Store Times Square. “When do you get to go to a store and let your kids pick out whatever they want? As long as they’re happy, I’m happy. And they look really happy right now.”
Fans can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by donating a toy now through Dec. 24 at DisneyStore.com/ToyDrive, or in person through Dec. 14, 2025 at Disney Stores, the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
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